– Because we believe that every child – ADHD or not – deserves the opportunity to soar.
135 – How Excess Sugar Impacts Kids with ADHD with Michael Goran
ADHD Thrive Institute
135 - How Excess Sugar Impacts Kids with ADHD with Michael Goran
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We all know excess sugar isn’t great, but do we really understand just how hidden and dangerous it can actually be, particularly when it comes to our kids’ health and behavior? In this episode, discover how excess sugar can impact kids with ADHD.
Joining us today is Michael Goran. Michael is Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Program Director for Nutrition and Obesity at The Saban Research Institute.
He is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and received his Ph.D. from the University of Manchester, UK. His research on infant and childhood nutrition has been continuously funded by the NIH for the past 35 years, raising $80m in funding, and publishing over 400 peer-reviewed articles.
In 2021 he founded the Southern California Center for Latino Health, a regional initiative focused on developing academic-community solutions to chronic disease disparities in Latino families and funded by a $25m grant from the National Institute for Minority Health Disparities. He has received numerous awards including: The Nutrition Society Medal for Research (1996), The Lilly Award for Scientific Achievement from The Obesity Society (2006), the TOPS award for contributions to obesity research from The Obesity Society (2014), and the Rank Prize Lecture in Nutrition (2018). Michael lives in Silverlake, LA and likes to play tennis, cook, eat, hike, walk his dog and travel.
He is the author of “Sugarproof: Protect Your Family from the Hidden Dangers of Excess Sugar with Simple Everyday Fixes.”
Tune in to discover the truth about sugar and some practical solutions.
Key Takeaways: [7:12] How Sugar Consumption Has Changed Over Time [10:15] The Misconception of Fruit Juice as a Healthy Option [10:42] Understanding Sugar’s Effect on the Body and Brain [14:24] Common Health Impacts of Excess Sugar in Children [21:21] The Link Between Sugar and Brain Development [23:28] Practical Tips for Reducing Sugar in Children’s Diets [24:31] Seven-Day No Added Sugar Challenge [37:08] Where to Find More Information
Memorable Moments: “Sugar doesn’t just cause energy spikes; it can completely throw off a child’s mood, focus, and behavior.”
“Sugar is hiding in 70% of processed foods – and in 80% of foods marketed to children.”
“The more sugar you eat, the more your body craves it – this cycle is designed to keep you coming back for more.”
“Most parents don’t realize that apple juice has more fructose than soda made with high fructose corn syrup.”
“Our seven-day no added sugar challenge helps reset cravings and boosts focus and energy.”
“Excess sugar during brain development can cause long-lasting effects, even if it’s only consumed for a short time.”
“Fatty liver disease is now a leading cause of liver disease in children – sugar overload is a huge factor.”
“Small swaps make a big difference. Replace one sugary product at a time to reduce sugar intake gradually.”
“Becoming ‘sugar-proof’ isn’t about avoidance – it’s about knowing where sugar hides and making healthier choices.”
Dive into a unique podcast experience where we explore innovative and natural strategies to support children with ADHD.
The Soaring Child Podcast hosted by Dana Kay, offers you a chance to listen in on conversations that could change the way you think about ADHD management.
As a mother of a child with ADHD, she knows firsthand the struggles that come with parenting a neurodiverse child & the freedom that is possible once parents learn to reduce ADHD symptoms. Dana has been featured in Forbes, on Fox & CBS, & various other online media. She has also been a guest at multiple parenting & ADHD summits & podcasts.
Her goal with the Soaring Child is to give hope & answers to parents of children with ADHD who are looking for alternative (natural) and effective means of helping them learn to thrive at home, at school, and in life.
Because children with ADHD deserve to soar, just like every other child.
